In the past week, the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held two significant meetings: the Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board on Monday, 3 June 2024, and the Communities Cabinet Advisory Board on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.

Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board

The Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board meeting focused on several key financial and administrative matters.

Strategic Risk Register

The Council reaffirmed its Strategic Risk Register for the upcoming year. This register identifies and manages risks that could impact the Council's operations. The responsibility for overseeing these risks will now pass to the Audit and Governance Committee.

Financial Reports

Three critical financial reports were presented:

1. Capital Management Report: The Council's capital expenditure for the year was £15.9 million, with significant investments in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and local housing initiatives.
2. Revenue Management Report: The Council reported a £3.7 million underspend and a £4.7 million surplus in income, driven by increased parking and rental income.
3. Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report: The Council achieved an interest income of £3.342 million, significantly above the budgeted amount, due to higher interest rates and increased funds available for investment.

Performance and Complaints

The Council reviewed its performance indicators and complaints summary for the past quarter. Notably, the number of working days lost to sickness was high, and there was a significant increase in the use of healthy living services. The Council also discussed the importance of improving response times for phone calls and addressing public complaints more effectively.

Communities Cabinet Advisory Board

The Communities Cabinet Advisory Board meeting was particularly impactful, focusing on the High Weald AONB Management Plan and the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan.

High Weald AONB Management Plan

The Board discussed the High Weald AONB Management Plan, which has been updated for 2024-2029. The plan, developed in collaboration with 14 other authorities, aims to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the High Weald area. Key recommendations include:

• Adopting the new management plan.
• Approving a service level agreement and future funding.
• Implementing a Dark Skies Planning Advice Notice to reduce light pollution.

Councillor Warren emphasized the importance of the plan:

The management plan is produced for our benefit, so I think it might be helpful to understand the kind of purpose of the management plan, you know, whether it's just there as a guide for planning or whether it's actually an informative document that we should be considering as a public body in other areas of our work. — Councillor Warren

Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan

The Board also reviewed the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan, which has been in development since 2020. The plan has passed an independent examination and will proceed to a referendum on 5 September 2024. If successful, it will become part of the statutory development plan for Capel Parish. Councillor Farewell praised the effort:

Well done to Capel in joining that list on the borough now to getting to this stage. Why would we not support it, especially with the reassuring news that the Capel Parish Council have fully taken on board the recommendations of the independent examiner. — Councillor Farewell

Implications

The discussions and decisions from these meetings have several implications:

1. Financial Stability: The Council's strong financial performance and prudent management of resources provide a solid foundation for future investments and initiatives.
2. Environmental Stewardship: The adoption of the High Weald AONB Management Plan underscores the Council's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
3. Community Engagement: The progression of the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan highlights the importance of community involvement in local planning and decision-making processes.

These meetings reflect the Council's ongoing efforts to manage financial resources effectively, promote sustainable development, and engage with the community to address local needs and priorities.

In the past week, the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held a Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. This meeting was particularly significant due to the election of the Deputy Mayor and the allocation of seats to political groups and committees.

Election of Deputy Mayor

The primary focus of the meeting was the election of the Deputy Mayor. Councillor David Osborne was elected as the new Deputy Mayor, succeeding Councillor Nancy Vaughan. The debate highlighted differing opinions on the qualifications necessary for the role. Councillor Heywood endorsed Councillor Palmer, emphasizing the importance of merit and long service:

If we were to choose a Deputy Mayor completely devoid of merit, it completely debases the value of those that you can see proudly presented on the boards and present in the room and that includes our new Mayor. — Councillor Heywood

However, Councillor Lidstone argued in favor of Councillor Osborne, citing his extensive involvement in the local community and his commercial experience:

He's been known as an active member of the Civic Society I believe for decades. Had a lot of input in our local area. He cares deeply about Prince's Wells and has many years of commercial experience as well. — Councillor Lidstone

The recorded vote resulted in 20 votes for Councillor Osborne and 15 against, leading to his appointment as Deputy Mayor.

Allocation of Seats to Committees

Another critical agenda item was the approval of the allocation of seats to political groups and the appointment of members to committees. This was particularly noteworthy due to the recent local elections, which resulted in a Liberal Democrat majority administration. Councillor Chapelard, the new leader, outlined the administration's three main priorities: sustainable growth and climate action, a vibrant economy, and community wellbeing.

Licensing Committee Controversy

The appointment of new chairs and vice-chairs to various committees sparked debate, particularly regarding the Licensing Committee. Concerns were raised about the inexperience of the newly appointed chair and vice-chair. Councillor Sankey expressed his dissatisfaction:

To nominate a brand new novice councillor to the role of chair and the role of vice-chair to someone with such a poor attendance record is, in my opinion, shows utter contempt for those whose livelihoods are affected by decisions made by this committee. — Councillor Sankey

Despite these concerns, the motion to approve the committee appointments was carried with 20 votes in favor and 15 against.

Implications

The decisions made in this meeting will have several implications:

1. Leadership and Representation: Councillor Osborne's election as Deputy Mayor reflects a shift towards valuing community involvement and commercial experience over long service.
2. Committee Dynamics: The new appointments, especially in the Licensing Committee, may lead to changes in how decisions are made, potentially affecting local businesses and residents.
3. Political Direction: The Liberal Democrat majority administration's focus on sustainable growth, a vibrant economy, and community wellbeing sets a clear agenda for the coming year.

These developments mark a significant moment for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, setting the stage for future initiatives and changes in local governance.